New turf care machinery launched at BTME focuses on cost-effectiveness

28 January 2011,
by Maureen Keepin

A bustling BTME was the launch pad for a range of new machinery introductions with a focus on improving cost-effectiveness.

BLEC managing director Gary Mumby showed the company's Multivator, which can tackle a variety of jobs from only one drive unit. Attachments for the machine can be easily changed by hitching on or off and currently feature a rotary decompactor, soil recycler and top dresser, stone burier, stone picker and soil screener.

The machine has a heavy-duty reversible gearbox and overload cam clutch. Ease of operation is paramount and the Multivator has simple blade changing and quick change rotor system.

Five models are currently available from 1.5m (60in) up to 2.3m (90in) and are designed to appeal to contractors and greenkeepers for use on sports fields as well as golf and amenity areas.

JSM Distribution director David Cole displayed TAS Trimmers from the USA, available in different sizes to match the manufacturer's pop-up irrigation head. The TAS models will fit on to all strimmers by removing the nylon head and replacing it with a trimmer unit.

"Keeping the area around the pop-up clear is vital because it prolongs the life of the head," explained Cole. "There is also a safety issue because if pop-ups on the greens and fairways get overgrown there is a risk of a golfer tripping. We have been surprised at the number of ankle injuries reported from an irrigation head accident."

A new product introduction from Bernhard & Company is the Express Dual 330 iR (integrated relief) with grinding taking place in frame. A stand-alone machine, it provides precise sharpening of cylinders on mowers, together with auto-indexing relief - thinning metal off the back of the blade.

The process takes around 10 minutes, depending on the level of grinding required. The company developed this latest machine to cater for golf clubs that require relief grinding.

A prototype 60hp tractor, the Kioti RX6010 from RECO, had only arrived at BTME a few days previously from Korea. Described as a power shuttle transmission tractor, the advantage is that users can travel in forward or reverse gear without using the clutch pedal, thereby reducing operator fatigue.

"We have wanted to add a 60hp tractor to our range for some time now because there is a demand for them, especially in the golf market," said product specialist Steven Haynes.

A rear heavy-duty three-point linkage system with a category two ball hitch is fitted for attaching implements. The operator lowers the linkage and the PTO will automatically engage. Other systems can require the operator to depress the clutch or flick a switch when harnessing attachments.

The tractor, which will be available later this year, features a one-piece bonnet hood to provide easy access for servicing and maintenance operations.

Course Care introduced a new portable diesel refuelling tank from Germany, the DT-mobil Easy, with a capacity of 200 litres. It features a 12V battery-operated pump.

Joint managing director David Mears said: "There is a demand for legal portable refuelling as people have been making do with barrels or jerrycans. As our tank is Accord Dangereux Routier-approved, it can be legally transported in the back of an estate car or pick-up truck."

Described as a "site product", it can be used in any location where there is a need to refuel machinery. Simply attach the two clips on the fly leads to the vehicle's battery, pick up the hose and dispensing can take place straight away at 40 litres per minute.

A new pedestrian overseeder, the walk-behind Speedseed, is now available from Charterhouse. Sales manager Nick Darking said: "It will go into tighter areas than a tractor-mounted unit.

A further advantage is that operators can work on a surface that is a little bit softer, such as football pitches that are more easily marked."

Features on the Speedseed include a large 75-litre capacity hopper, single-point height adjustment on the front axle and an easy-to-operate metering system selected via a cam gauge and lever control.

The unit is 60cm wide and good germination rates can be achieved as the machine spreads grass seed into holes 5-20mm deep at 30mm spacings. Holes are created by a spiked roller and a rear-mounted brush ensures that seed is swept into the holes.

Powered by a 6.5hp Briggs & Stratton engine via a hydrostatic transmission, this gives an infinite range of forward and reverse speeds of up to 7kmph.

Multitasking from one power unit, the INFiNiPower walk-behind from BLEC features The Chassis, a system that allows different cassettes to be changed in around 10 seconds.

It is powered by a Honda GX160 engine and the cassettes include a rotary brush to remove surface debris and stand the grass up and SMARTCut for precision cutting on greens and tees through seven, nine or 11 blades.

Pitched as an accurate sprayer, Techneat's Acuspray Elite has a 2m spray width. Wheel driven, this sprayer can be pulled by a small tractor or larger garden mower.

The tank has a capacity of 80 litres, is suitable for liquid products and features a large opening. There are two arms to the sprayer, each with three nozzles, providing good even coverage.

- More BTME product news will feature in next week's edition of Horticulture Week.

For listings, reviews and buying guides for landscape, arboricultural and turf equipment, see whatkit.co.uk.

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